This year will feature a competition on the men’s events and demonstration on the women’s events (non-judged). This is due to a lack of judges available in Ontario for that weekend. Ever thought of becoming a judge? It can make a difference to events like this. Give it a shot if you’re interested!

We had SO much fun at winter camp 2019! 40 athletes came together in Portsmouth NH from across the U.S. and Canada for an unbeatable gymnastics experience. Normally New England winters scare off international travelers, but the Canadians never are deterred! All About our Eighth Adult Camp!

]]>https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2019/02/05/winter-2019-adult-gymnastics-camp-review/feed/0mastersgymnasticsucla_group_winter_2019.JPGThe third installment of our Adult Gymnastics Instructor Interview Series is here!https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/11/19/the-third-installment-of-our-adult-gymnastics-instructor-interview-series-is-here/
https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/11/19/the-third-installment-of-our-adult-gymnastics-instructor-interview-series-is-here/#respondMon, 19 Nov 2018 20:57:15 +0000http://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/?p=635November 2018 features Tyler Green, founder of the NAIGC club team at Kennesaw State University.

My name is Gina Paulhus, and I am the creator and director of the first official Adult Gymnastics Camp. Our 8th camp is coming up soon. In fact, the last day to Register is Sat. Nov. 26 so check it out ASAP if you’re interested!! I have been an adult gymnast for more years than I can count and have made it a personal mission to spread the word about adult gymnastics and to expand the opportunities available for adult gymnasts. Recently I had the chance to interview Tyler Green, a gymnastics coach and athlete who is also tremendously passionate about adult gymnastics. Here is what he had to say!

Tell us about what you do.

I am sales/marketing associate at Inside Gymnastics. I coach a boys’ team at Roswell Gymnastics in Georgia. I have a few side hustles as well! I’m an FIG Certified Men’s Judge. I’m also a Judge for MyGymJudge.com, which is a forum where you can submit routines for evaluation. I am a Board member at NAIGC and also social media director and scholarship coordinator there. I’m the President of the Georgia Judges Association. I am also the reigning NAIGC open division national champion!

What led you to start an adult class? How long have you taught one?

When I graduated high school and was looking at options to continue gymnastics in college, I was not willing to move and pay for any of the options that were available to me. I knew I wasn’t done with the sport so I was thrilled when I found the NAIGC and decided to start my own team at Kennesaw State in 2011!

What makes coaching an adult different than coaching a child?

One of my favorite things about coaching adults is they tend to be so much more thankful for the opportunity to be there learning gymnastics. Sometimes you get kids who feel forced to go to practice or take it for granted. Adult gymnasts are so appreciative of the chance to learn the sport. Their enthusiasm and genuine excitement is always refreshing.

What is your favorite thing about adult gymnasts?

It really makes you appreciate how difficult the sport is. Sometimes gymnasts who have done it forever consider something like a back tuck to be as easy as walking. However, by watching full grown adults attempting something as basic as a backward roll for the first time, you really appreciate how difficult the sport actually is!

What is the hardest thing about coaching adults?

The variance in skill level is always difficult. I find myself teaching double backs at the same time as backward rolls depending on the gymnast. Many individuals come to our club with some sort of background in acrobatics or dance, but there is a huge diversity of skills sets, age group and physical capabilities from folks coming in. It is a difficult yet fun challenge that makes coaching this group unique.

Another challenge of coaching adults is the stigma of adult gymnastics in other gyms. Some gyms refuse to allow adult gymnastics as they are afraid of it getting too wild and out of control. They think it’s going to be a bunch of adults running around chucking things out of their skill level but when they actually come in and see a practice, they find that it can be just as safe as a traditional class.

Speaking of safety

How do you deal with a class of all different levels?

Having stations is super helpful. If you have 2 pommel horses and 2 mushrooms for example, provide an assignment for each piece of equipment. The groups can rotate around. A beginner will be asked to do a basic skill while a more advanced gymnast can work on what they need to do. Once I take the time to explain the options at each station the gymnasts can get to work and I’m free to supervise or spot if needed.

Do you feel that adult gymnastics is dangerous?

I do not. I think if anything many adults are more reserved than kids because they know how much medical bills cost! It cracks me up to see 20+ year-old men scared of doing basic skills but it’s because adults have a better concept of the consequences of something going wrong. If you teach them basics and follow progressions then age has nothing to do with the level of danger.

What is a good length of time for an adult class?

Our workout has to be at the end of the day after the kids have left the gym. We practice about 2 hours at a time. That allows for a warmup and 2 events or so. There may be a little time at the end to do extra work on something if people need that. As primarily a men’s gymnastics coach, it can be a challenge to get time in on all the events consistently. I used to be adamant about making everyone train and compete all 6 events but I have found that we get more results out of having them stick to the 3-4 events that they actually want to train!

What are three benefits someone can gain from coming to adult gymnastics class?

It will improve your reflexes and coordination like nothing else.

You’ll attain incredible physical fitness. Most of our gymnasts get into the best shape of life while working out with our club.

Meeting friends and the social side. I have met so many of my best friends through gymnastics. It’s a great community and a great group of people.

“There are not enough adult sports league opportunities, but it’s trending toward more and more of that as adults are looking for something else to do besides watch TV or sit around at a bar.”

Do you have mostly “regulars” in your class?

At the beginning of semester, we spend a lot of effort recruiting and getting people to come try it out. Some end up joining the team and from there it’s mostly the same regulars for the rest of the semester. Right now, we have 15-25 members — a mixture of men and women. The camaraderie between the men and women is great.

If an adult who used to do gymnastics is thinking about trying a class for the first time, any words of advice?

My biggest advice is for do it for the love of it because it’s fun! I remember there was one guy who joined our club at 21. He had very little experience in the sport. He was committed to making the Olympics…It’s such a lofty goal even when you are a child. I love having goals and a vision. I just know how defeating it can be to not reach your goal. My suggestion is to focus on keeping it fun as the priority. Don’t train for any professional reason or to become an Olympian. If you’re in it just for the goal and you don’t reach it, you won’t want to continue. It’s important that, even if the goal doesn’t happen, you still enjoyed it along the way.

If a coach is thinking about starting an adult class, what piece of advice might you have for that person?

If you’re at a university and want to start a club, email info@naigc.org. We have a full task force that is dedicated to helping people start teams. Visit our website: NAIGC.net for more info on local competitions and to find teams in your area!

How do I find out more about joining your club?

Message us on Instagram @theflippinowls. You can check out club sports at Kennesaw State. You can email ksugymteam@yahoo.com. For anyone who doesn’t live nearby, the NAIGC lists out every club team in the country. We take new members year-round. Visit Naigc.net.

Tell us a bit more about NAIGC.

The NAIGC is a collegiate gymnastics division that also caters to adult gymnasts! We pride ourselves on being a division that has a place for everyone! We accept gymnasts of all skill levels because our motto is “for the love of the sport!” For women’s we offer level 7, 8 and 9 as well as a developmental level that is meant for beginners. For the Men we have a modified level 9, modified NCAA as well as a developmental division. We have over 1,500 members from over 115 clubs nationwide! We have a huge National Championships each year, this year it is in Daytona Beach, Florida on April 11-13. Be sure to follow us on social media @naigcgymnastics!

Thank you, Tyler, for taking the time to share your experience about being an adult gymnast, coaching adult gymnastics, and starting an NAIGC team. Your can-do-ism is inspiring to us all! For more awesome adult gymnastics content, follow us @adultgymnastics

]]>https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/11/19/the-third-installment-of-our-adult-gymnastics-instructor-interview-series-is-here/feed/0mastersgymnasticsTyler_Pommel.jpgTyler_Banner.jpgTyler_outside.jpgTyler_big_group_Floor2 weeks left to Register for Winter Adult Gymnastics Camp!https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/11/07/less-than-12-weeks-before-winter-adult-gymnastics-camp/
https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/11/07/less-than-12-weeks-before-winter-adult-gymnastics-camp/#respondWed, 07 Nov 2018 20:31:43 +0000http://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/?p=630Things falling into place for winter camp! We already have a bunch of campers returning for more action. This is our 8th camp and it’s held on a Saturday thru Monday Jan. 26-28 in Portsmouth NH. It’s a great way to break up the winter doldrums. If you ski, the white mountains are a short drive away. The best part is hotels are a steal this time of year–half the price of the hotels for Summer Camp. Check it out! This is a can’t-miss event for any adult gymnast. All levels welcome.

]]>https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/11/07/less-than-12-weeks-before-winter-adult-gymnastics-camp/feed/0mastersgymnasticsafter_earthquake84-Year Old Yorkshire Gymnast Provides Inspirationhttps://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/09/21/84-year-old-yorkshire-gymnast-provides-inspiration/
https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/09/21/84-year-old-yorkshire-gymnast-provides-inspiration/#respondFri, 21 Sep 2018 21:05:28 +0000http://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/?p=627Amazingly, the octogenarian can still perform cartwheels, stand on her head and do the splits. She trains three times a week in the gym – starting her workouts at 6am. She is now hoping to encourage other elderly people to remain active and independent.This 84-year old yorkshire gymnast can do a cartwheel and splits
]]>https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/09/21/84-year-old-yorkshire-gymnast-provides-inspiration/feed/0mastersgymnasticssplits_84Gymnastics for literally all ages!https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/09/07/gymnastics-for-literally-all-ages/
https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/09/07/gymnastics-for-literally-all-ages/#respondFri, 07 Sep 2018 19:12:50 +0000http://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/?p=625They are all over 80, but their inner gymnast is still young at heart.

Vasiliki Millousi didn’t have the best beam final at the European Championships with a fall on her mount but she was very proud of herself for making the final. The 34-year-old gymnast had to retire from the sport before the 2004 Olympics when she was told by her federation that she was “too old” for gymnastics and her every competition now not only proves them wrong but shows that older gymnasts can keep doing great in gymnastics.

Cori Cunningham is a pioneer in the adult gymnastics world. She started a class well before it became more commonplace, and over time has only further honed her craft. Whether you’re a coach looking to start an adult gymnastics class or improve one you already have–her wisdom is invaluable. If you’re an adult gymnast you will also find this interview fascinating as it gets into the psychology of learning and motivation when it comes to adult athletes. I believe you will enjoy Cori’s sound, logical advice which she is so well known for both with adult gymnasts and also the children she coaches. I am an adult gymnast who has been fortunate enough to have Cori as a coach. I am happy to have this chance to share her wealth of knowledge and experience with you. Let’s get on to the interview!

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What is your full-time job?

I manage the JO Team and the Xcel Team at Atlantic Gymnastics in Portsmouth, NH and I am out on the floor coaching almost every level, every day.

What led you to start an adult class? How long have you taught one?

I started my adult class 20 years ago. I had some free time on Saturday mornings between two team groups and I was trying to figure out what I could put in there and then I had an adult interested in a private. The private turned into a semi private. The semi-private turned into an adult drop in class that has been running consistently for 20 years!

Did you have another adult coach to model after, or did you have to come up with how it would work on your own?

I was 25 years old when I started teaching the adult class and I did not know of any coaches coaching adults prior to that. I did come up with my class format all on my own and honestly 20 years later it is still very similar! It starts with a 15-minute active conditioning style warmup. We do flexibility work for 10 minutes. We do basic tumbling and basic dance skills and work our way up to higher level skills for the bulk of the class. Then the last few minutes consists of a conditioning station or two and some cool down stretching.

Active flexibility helps prepare the body for the demands of gymnastics.

What makes coaching an adult different than coaching a child?

There really isn’t a huge difference between coaching an adult and a child. In fact, I would say that coaching adults is a whole lot like coaching elementary school age kids. Both age groups LOVE doing gymnastics and they soak up every suggestion and correction you give them! Both age groups are usually so thrilled to be doing gymnastics that they smile often and get excited about just about everything!

What is your favorite thing about adult gymnasts? I love coaching adult beginners – people who have never really done gymnastics before. I have had people walk into class, not knowing how to do a handstand or a forward roll, come out knowing how to do standing back tucks, front tucks, and round-off back handsprings a year later! Adults are also very thankful for feedback and for the opportunity to do gymnastics.

What is the hardest thing about coaching adult gymnasts?

Adults tend to be unable to allow themselves to make mistakes. I find some people get so angry at themselves for making a mistake that they cannot progress. They are so busy being angry at themselves for what they consider “failing “that they have trouble accepting my praise or believing that they are learning anything. I teach my young gymnasts that I need them to fail over and over again so we can locate the good parts of new skills and get rid of the parts that don’t work – but we cannot discover that unless they take a lot of different types of turns. Somehow adults find it utterly embarrassing to make a mistake and they have forgotten what learning is like. Thankfully once they realize that the gym and my class is truly a safe place to make mistakes they can relax and go through the process more successfully! I hope some of them take that lesson out into the rest of their lives!

The TumblTrak is great for working both acrobatics and dance skills on a soft surface.

How do you deal with a class of all different levels?

My class often has a mix of true beginners, intermediate level adults who have learned some skill through taking my class, and former gymnasts who can still do many of the gymnastics skills they did as youngsters. I have a big age range as well. The ages range between 15 years old and 55 years old. The beginning of class anyone can do. It is basic motor skills and the stretching is good for everyone. During the basics across the floor I will typically name a skill and then each individual does that skill across the floor at their level. For example, if I say “handstand walking” the beginners will be instructed to do a needle scale or a small handstand and “walk” 3 steps on their feet before the next one. The intermediate folks will attempt handstand holds and walk on feet or attempt to move a hand forward. The more advanced gymnasts will walk all the way across on hands or they will do part forward, backward and sideways. I quickly run through the beginner, intermediate, and advanced choices for each direction I give. I do exactly the same thing for the stations we do so each individual is working at their level.

Do you feel that adult gymnastics is dangerous?

Any sport that an adult participates in has a degree of risk. Any gymnastics done without proper warmup, direction, or progressions is dangerous. I tend to be a very conservative coach and I will make sure that my gymnasts of any age are well prepared for whatever skill or drill I ask them to do. We talk often about how to do things safely and I am constantly asking people to think ahead and figure out what is likely to happen when they execute a skill. For example, an adult who only comes to class twice a month who knows how to do a front tuck into the resi pit might need to be reminded each time the proper technique for taking off and landing, and they need to be reminded about how to keep their knees, their face, and their back safe while performing the skill. I also encourage my gymnasts of all ages to really listen to their bodies and stop when they notice an increase in an ache or a pain or if they notice they are getting too tired to make their body listen. Gymnastics becomes very dangerous when a gymnast is fatigued or not able to use all of their body parts right!

What seems like a good length of time for an adult class? My class is 60 minutes for some and 75 minutes for others. 60 minutes is the perfect amount of time for beginner and intermediate level adult gymnasts. I am very efficient with time and everyone tends to feel like they have had a productive practice after an hour. The folks that stay 75 minutes use the last 15 minutes to work independently on something that they are working on. If you are focused you can take a lot of turns in 15 minutes!

Jumping rope on the beam works balance and concentration and develops comfort with being on the beam.

What are some benefits that can be gained from coming to adult gymnastics class?

Strength, body awareness, and practice at “how to learn” again A fourth really cool thing is hanging out with other adults who appreciate doing gymnastics. There are many people who have made connections with like-minded people in my class and the camaraderie is a lot of fun!

Do you have mostly ‘regulars’ in your class?

My class is always a mix of regulars and folks who truly “drop in” (meaning they come one time, skip a month, then come three times, then skip a month, etc.). At least twice a month I have someone new try class and about 50% of the time they become fairly regular and 50% of the time they never return.

If an adult who used to do gymnastics is thinking about trying a class for the first time, any words of advice?

I say go for it and listen to your body! Everything in moderation is the best practice for all adults! The first two times back to class a lot of things may still feel a bit weird to do but by the third time you will be amazed at how good your muscle memory is!

Getting used to going backwards on the soft rolo mats.

If an adult who never tried gymnastics before is thinking about trying a class for the first time, any words of advice?

I say go for it and, for real, no one is watching you! Beginners always balk at coming because they are afraid that people in the lobby or other gymnasts are going to look at them and think they are crazy for trying something they don’t know how to do. It is fantastically awesome to take on the challenge of doing something that you don’t know how to do! Many coaches teach beginners and we have every drill and baby step in our coaching repertoire, so we can actually teach you how to do something you don’t know how to do!!!

If a coach is thinking about starting an adult class, what are some tips?

Find a time where you have lots of space on the floor. Pretty much any plyometrics, running, core, conditioning activities you do with your team kids or rec. kids will work for an adult class. It is also important to take the time to go through basics every week even though your regular higher-level adults may balk at that. Having the strong foundation to fall back on keeps them safe and keeps them moving forward in their upper level skills. Lastly, point out all that is good – adults have a hard time doing that for themselves!

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I have met some of the most interesting people I know in my adult class! It is incredibly fun for me to learn about people and understand why they like to come to gymnastics. I have had dancers who want to improve their upper body strength, former gymnasts who want to just feel the way they used to feel, cross fit folks who need to learn handstand walking and muscle ups, and lifeguards who want to learn back tucks so they can do them off their chairs on Hampton Beach. I’ve had parents who want to understand what their children are doing so they come give it try. I’ve had a hoola hooper who was a trying to learn new skills for her act, and an equestrian acrobat who wanted to learn how to flip better so she could do it on horseback! I also have many people who never got to do gymnastics as a child and have always dreamt about learning a cartwheel or a back handspring who will join class to fulfill those types of dreams. My adult class is always interesting!

The ‘pancake’ position appears in skills on beam, floor and bars. We work it every practice!

]]>https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/07/25/this-adult-gymnastics-instructor-has-been-coaching-adults-for-20-years-we-picked-her-brain/feed/1mastersgymnasticscoris class handstands (1)coris class warmup (1)rebecca_straddledanielle_jump_rope_beamrolopancake_warmupThe First of our Adult Class Instructor Series is Here!https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/05/30/the-first-of-our-adult-class-instructor-series-is-here/
https://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/2018/05/30/the-first-of-our-adult-class-instructor-series-is-here/#commentsWed, 30 May 2018 15:03:20 +0000http://mastersgymnastics.wordpress.com/?p=603Enjoy this interview with Sara Baer, an adult gymnast and also adult gymnastics instructor. Sara is a brilliant woman of many talents, and we are grateful she took the time to fill us in on her adult gymnastics class in Carbondale, IL. Enjoy!